Folkestone put striker Dryden on transfer list

Dryden returned home from local rivals Dover Athletic in the summer after an eventful spell over the hill but the Invicta gaffer and player himself admit things have perhaps not worked out as well as first envisaged.

“We had a meeting this week and Jim has asked for a transfer as he didn’t think he was up for the cause,” Cugley told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.

“He’ll be the first to admit he hasn’t played as well as he would’ve liked and he hasn’t got the goals we have hoped from him in recent weeks.

“Perhaps the situation at the Club with the number of comings and goings hasn’t helped him and we can accept his disappointment with that but he hasn’t reached the standards we know he is capable of.

“I’ve always got on well with Jim and there’s no problem between us but if people don’t want to be at the club then that’s fair enough but we have to move on.

“I’m disappointed as I was hoping he’d say he wanted to really give it a go at Folkestone but he didn’t feel he could so we do what’s best for both parties. We only want players here who are 100% behind what we want to do.”

At this moment in time Dryden is still contracted to the club and is likely to be in the starting line up for tomorrow’s clash away at Walton & Hersham.

Josh Vincent returns to the squad after failing a fitness test last weekend and Joe Neilson is also now fully fit. Billy Swallow has returned to training and came through unscathed and will build up his match fitness in a few reserve outings before taking his place with the first team squad.

“There will obviously be clubs interested in him (Dryden) as he’s a goalscorer with ability and you can’t take that away from him,” said Cugley.

“If you’re a manager of a Kent club and Jimmy Dryden becomes available you’re going to be interested.

“Maybe a new challenge further afield will do him the world of good and help him regain his focus.”

In another frantic week of activity at the Buzzlines Stadium, financial constraints have seen experienced goalkeeper Charlie Mitten released.

Aside from the derby at The Homelands against Ashford Town at the end of last year, Mitten was an ever present in the side for the first half of the season and proved to be one of Invicta’s most consistent performers turning in a number of superb shot stopping performances.

And Cugley remarked, “I think maybe in some ways he is the best keeper we have ever had down here apart from the lad from Brighton (Richard Martin). He has been excellent and has such a calming influence and he has been great to have around the club.

“All credit to him over the last couple of months as he has kept by us and has been excellent for the young lads in front of him.

“We wish him all the best and I will give anybody who asks top references for him as I think he is still the best keeper in the League.”

With Mitten missing Invicta’s last two matches through injury (bruised foot), former Herne Bay and Ramsgate goalkeeper Jack Delo signed for the club in a deal which looks set to be extended until the end of the season.

“Of course it’s a disappointment in losing Charlie but at the end of the day I didn’t want to miss out on Jack (Delo) who I see as a longer term prospect and I know he has enjoyed being down here,” said Cugley.

“Jack wanted to know the situation and having thought about it I think it is the right way to go. He lives in Canterbury so it’s ideal for training and local based players are the way forward for the club.”

Article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk